COVID-19 Updates
***Last updated January 5, 2022***
Updates will be dated according to when they were uploaded. The most recent updates will be at the top of this page, with oldest information at the bottom.
our children’s ministry page has been updated according to the latest changes. click the button below to view that page.
Latest Updates:
gather to grow + MEN’S BREAKFAST postponed (1/5/22)
Dear Bridge family,
The Elder Board met last evening and evaluated the current Covid case numbers and deaths in Illinois and the current status of our local hospitals that have extremely high numbers of Covid cases. They are so crowded that they have paused all elective surgery and outpatient procedures. We have determined that it would be best to pause our Gather to Grow and Men’s Breakfast due to the inherent danger of spreading the Covid virus in an indoor setting with a meal. The Elders will meet again in 2 weeks and at the beginning of February to reevaluate the current situation. Our hope is that we will see a downturn in cases by that time. We understand and share the frustration at having to postpone these opportunities to gather and grow as a family, but we also believe it is prudent to minimize the potential spread of this current virus and further overwhelm the hospitals. Please feel free to call me with any concerns or feedback.
Dr. Dave Norbeck for the Elder Board
upper room prayer night cancelled (12/8/21)
We are cancelling tonight's prayer service due to 2 positive cases of COVID in people from our church who attended the Men's Breakfast event this past Saturday. Out of an abundance of caution we will not be having Upper Room tonight.
announcement from elder board (10/7/21)
The Elders met Tuesday night and reviewed the decreasing cases of COVID in Illinois and unanimously approved a mask-optional policy for the Bridge. Thus, the decision to wear your mask or not is up to you and your individual situation. It will no longer be required while inside the church.
The Elder Board
announcement from elder chairman dave norbeck (8/24/21)
This week the Cook County Department of Public Health has again mandated that masks be worn while indoors. This mandate has been driven by an increase in cases of COVID and the resulting deaths in our area. This has been affecting even the vaccinated.
The Elders feel it is prudent to follow these guidelines at this time. We realize that there is much we don’t know about the effectiveness of masks, but we feel it is a simple step we can take to help protect each other as we worship indoors.
With regard to children and youth, the decision to wear masks will be left to the discretion of the parents.
Thank you!
Dave Norbeck
Elder Chairman
note from elder chairman dave norbeck (8/12/21)
The Elder Board is watching closely the developments with the Covid Delta variant. Currently we do not foresee any changes needed in our response. Please feel free to use your judgment on your own protection with face masks and/or social distancing. We will continue to monitor and update you with any changes.
Thank you!
Dave Norbeck
Elder Chairman
note from elder chairman dr. dave norbeck (5/20/21)
Dear Bridge Church Family,
For the first time in 14 months, the Elder Board met in person! Praise God! We spent time in prayer thanking God for walking with us thru this pandemic and for getting us to the other side. We also reviewed the CDC and IDPH guidelines and we all felt it was time to stop our rules on mandatory masks and social distancing! We understand that there are some who cannot get the vaccine for various reasons or have chosen not to receive it, and thus you may feel more comfortable wearing masks and keeping some social distance. We support your needs for safety and invite you to continue taking these measures while we gather as a family.
We ask as always that if you feel ill please join us on the livestream service instead of in person. Moving forward may we continue to follow the words of the Apostle Paul from Colossians 3:12-14, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Dr. Dave Norbeck
Elder Chairman
sunday service registration update (3/12/21)
Beginning Sunday, March 21st, we will no longer be asking you to pre-register for church services or KidsChurch classes. The worship center will continue to be sectioned off to maintain social distancing, but you will be able to choose your own seat(s). Ushers will still be available for those who need assistance. We hope this will be a welcome change for everyone. Please contact barb@thebridge-alg.org if you have questions.
covid-19 guidelines update (3/4/21)
The Elders have been monitoring the COVID-19 updates and cases locally and have good news! COVID cases are down significantly on a state level as well as locally. As we reviewed current Illinois guidelines, we felt it was time to update our policies.
We will no longer be taking temperatures as you enter the doors but still ask that if you feel ill, please stay home, and watch the service on live stream. We would ask that you continue to wear your masks as you enter the building and go to and from your seat.
However, we feel it is now safe to remove your mask during the service but request that you put it back on if you are singing. We will still have social distancing and ask that you still reserve your seats ahead of time.
Finally, we will no longer dismiss by rows. We understand the desire many have to talk to each other after the service but ask that if you would like to linger and talk or be prayed for, please wear your mask and stay in the sanctuary or go outside so that those who would like to leave can do so and not be obstructed in the lobby. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact Dave Norbeck or reach out to any of the Elders.
children’s ministry announcement (2/23/21)
We are excited to announce that our early childhood classroom will be reopening for the spring quarter beginning March 7.
This class is for potty-trained children age 3 through pre-K. Please pre-register your child weekly by emailing tickets@thebridge-alg.org as our maximum capacity is 10 children. Send questions to kelly@thebridge-alg.org
WORSHIP SERVICE UPDATE (1/30/21)
Due to the expected inclement weather, we are making the following changes to tomorrow's service (1/31/21):
The Family Meeting scheduled for after the service has been cancelled.
Pastor Todd will be leading an amended worship service for those who are able to make it in person.
We are planning to livestream the service on YouTube. Please continue to check our social media for any updates regarding the online livestream service.
We encourage you to stay safe and continue to watch the weather as we look towards tomorrow morning.